PM Modi, CM Yogi Adityanath Wish People On Makar Sankranti & Bihu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished people on the festival on Bihu and Makar Sankranti.

Devotees take a holy dip at the Sangam on the occasion of 'Makar Sankranti' festival.

Source : PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday, greeted people on the occasion of Makar Sankranti and Bihu. On an X post, the PM Modi wrote, “Many best wishes to all countrymen on Makar Sankranti. May this holy festival dedicated to the Uttarayan Sun bring new energy and enthusiasm in your life.”

सभी देशवासियों को मकर संक्रांति की अनेकानेक शुभकामनाएं। उत्तरायण सूर्य को समर्पित यह पावन उत्सव आप सबके जीवन में नई ऊर्जा और नए उत्साह का संचार करे।

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 14, 2025

The festival marks the beginning of the Sun's 'uttarayana' (northward) journey, considered auspicious in Hindu tradition.

Thousands of devotees gathered at the banks of the river Ganga across India on Tuesday to celebrate Makar Sankranti. From Kolkata's Babughat to Varanasi's Ganga ghats and Haridwar's Har Ki Pauri devotees braved the chilly weather to take holy dips and offer prayers. Bathing in holy rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna during Makar Sankranti is believed to cleanse sins and bestow spiritual merit. The day is also dedicated to acts of charity and devotion.

Traditional dishes such as sesame-jaggery laddus, khichdi, and other festive treats grace the occasion. Kite flying, symbolising vibrant energy, and cheer, is a cherished tradition on this day.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also congratulated the people on Makar Sankranti, “Heartiest congratulations to the people of the state, all revered saints, devotees and followers on Makar Sankranti! This is a festival to express gratitude to the Sun God, the father of the universe...”, he wrote in Hindi on X.

मकर संक्रांति की प्रदेश वासियों, सभी पूज्य संतों, श्रद्धालुजनों व भक्तों को हार्दिक बधाई!

यह जगतपिता सूर्य देव के प्रति कृतज्ञता ज्ञापित करने का एक उत्सव है... pic.twitter.com/Z8YqtTZE37

— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 14, 2025

With similar enthusiasm, PM Modi greeted people on Magh Bihu, another harvest popular mostly in Assam.

“Best Wishes on Magh Bihu! We celebrate the abundance of nature, the joy of harvest and the spirit of togetherness. May this festival further the spirit of happiness and togetherness,” PM Modi wrote on X.

Best Wishes on Magh Bihu!

We celebrate the abundance of nature, the joy of harvest and the spirit of togetherness.

May this festival further the spirit of happiness and togetherness.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 14, 2025

Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu, Pongal and Lohri are all traditional harvest festivals and share similarities despite being celebrated in different regions.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote on the microblogging site, “My best wishes to everyone in Assam on the joyous occasion of Bhogali Bihu. May the shared joy of feasting and community get togethers strengthen the bonds among the people and herald a new dawn of prosperity. Happy Bihu!”

ভোগালী বিহুৰ সদৌটিলৈ আন্তৰিক ওলগ৷ মেজিৰ জুয়ে নাশ কৰক সমাজৰ সকলো অসূয়া-অপ্ৰীতি, বিভেদ-অশান্তি৷

My best wishes to everyone in Assam on the joyous occasion of #BhogaliBihu.

May the shared joy of feasting and community get togethers strengthen the bonds among the people and… pic.twitter.com/SvA5ohBmC6

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 14, 2025

Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu is a harvest festival celebrated in Assam which marks the end of harvesting season in the local month of Magh during mid-January and the people of the state have celebrated the festival with community feasts after the annual harvest.